Covering Cambridgeshire
Our coverage across Cambridgeshire includes Peterborough, Cambridge, Wisbech and St Neots.
Homes in the East of England
Housing in the East of England ranges from post-war estates and modern developments to timber-framed and period homes in historic towns, so permitted development checks and conservation controls both feature regularly.
What does a side return extension involve?
A side return extension builds over the narrow passage that runs beside the back of many Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses, widening the kitchen or dining room by a metre or two. It is usually combined with a glazed or part-glazed roof so the deeper room still gets daylight.
- Structural steel to remove the side wall
- Drainage and new gully positions
- Underfloor heating ready screed if wanted
What is the guide price for a side return extension in Cambridgeshire?
What side return extensions typically cost. These are guide ranges; the written quote for your house replaces them.
| Side return extensions | Guide price incl. VAT |
|---|---|
| Standard specification | £3,350 to £3,700 per m² |
| Good specification | £3,700 to £4,150 per m² |
| High specification | £4,150 to £4,550 per m² |
What approvals does a side return extension need in England?
In England we deal with the council’s planning team for permission or a lawful development certificate, with building control (the council or a registered building control approver) for inspections, and with neighbours under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 where it applies.
In England a single-storey rear extension can often go ahead under permitted development: up to 3 m deep on an attached house or 4 m on a detached one, no higher than 4 m, with eaves no higher than 3 m within 2 m of a boundary. Deeper extensions, up to 6 m or 8 m, need prior approval from the council first.
What can affect a side return extension?
- Most side returns touch a shared boundary, so the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 usually applies in England and Wales.
- Many terraces sit in conservation areas, where side extensions need planning permission.
How does the project run?
- Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
- Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
- Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
- Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.
What people ask before starting
Does a side return need planning permission?
In England it can be permitted development if it is single storey, no higher than 4 m and no wider than half the original house. Conservation areas are the main exception.
How long does a side return take?
About 10 to 14 weeks on site.
Can you visit a house in Cambridgeshire to quote?
Yes. After a short call we arrange a site visit to measure up and agree what the design needs to do, then send a written price.
Also covering
- Side return extensions in Peterborough
- Side return extensions in Cambridge
- Side return extensions in Wisbech
- Side return extensions in St Neots
- Side return extensions in Huntingdon
- Side return extensions in March
Learn more about side return extensions, or see every project we cover in Cambridgeshire.